Antenna for communicating with a motor

ABSTRACT

An electric machine includes a motor assembly including a motor controller including an NFC tuned circuit. The electric machine also includes a motor housing defining an interior space and enclosing the motor assembly within the interior space. The electric machine further includes an electric machine housing. The motor housing is enclosed within the electric machine housing. The electric machine also includes an NFC antenna mounted within the electric machine housing and configured to emit a magnetic field at a selected frequency. The magnetic field is configured to induce an electric current in the NFC tuned circuit. The electric machine further includes a memory configured to store information included in signals transmitted between the NFC antenna and the NFC tuned circuit via the magnetic field.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 15/436,083 filed Feb. 17, 2017, which is a continuation in partof U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/541,798 filed Nov. 14,2014 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,614,475, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention relates generally to electric motors havingelectronic controls, and more particularly, to electric motors havingexternal antennas for relaying signals to and from electronic controls.

One of many applications for an electric motor is to operate a pump or ablower. The electric motor may be configured to rotate an impellerwithin a pump or blower to displace fluid. Many gas burning appliancesinclude an electric motor, for example, without limitation, waterheaters, boilers, pool heaters, space heaters, furnaces, and radiantheaters. In some examples, the electric motor powers a blower that movesair or a fuel/air mixture through the appliance. In other examples, theelectric motor powers a blower that distributes air output from theappliance. Typically, these electric motors are enclosed within a motorhousing to protect the motor from the environment and protect peoplefrom dangerous components of the motor.

One type of motor used in such systems is an alternating current (AC)induction motor. Another type of motor that may be used in theapplication described above is an electronically commutated motor (ECM).ECMs include, but are not limited to, brushless direct current (BLDC)motors, permanent magnet alternating current (PMAC) motors, and variablereluctance motors. Typically, these motors provide higher electricalefficiency than an AC induction motor. Some ECMs have an axial fluxconfiguration in which the flux in the air gap extends in a directionparallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Some known electric motors require electronic controls. These electroniccontrols are often enclosed inside the motor housing to protect theelectronic controls from the environment. Some of these electroniccontrols incorporate radio-based communication capabilities, such asRadio Frequency Identification (RFID), Wireless Local Area Network(WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) capabilities, forcommunicating with handheld devices. One type of radio-basedcommunication system is a Near Field Communication (NFC) system.Generally, an NFC system requires at least two inductive components thatgenerate magnetic fields. When the components' magnetic fields overlap,the components will inductively transfer their currents and, thereby,exchange signals and information.

Some known radio-based communications systems have a limited range. Forexample, NFC components' magnetic fields generally have a very limitedrange, usually no more than 10 centimeters. However, electronic controlsare typically positioned in the motor housing such that the antennasignal from the antenna incorporated in the electronic controls wouldnot reach the exterior of the housing. Additionally, the typical metalenclosure interferes with the signal. Therefore, a user has to positiona handheld device inside the housing to transmit the signal to andreceive a signal from an antenna, such as an NFC antenna, on a typicalmotor, which is both awkward and dangerous for the user. Additionally,such antennas are difficult to repair or replace since they are insidethe motor assembly. Furthermore, it is expensive to retrofit a motor toadd radio-based communication capabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an electric machine is provided. The electric machineincludes a motor assembly including a motor controller including an NFCtuned circuit. The electric machine also includes a motor housingdefining an interior space and enclosing the motor assembly within theinterior space. The electric machine further includes an electricmachine housing. The motor housing is enclosed within the electricmachine housing. The electric machine also includes an NFC antennamounted within the electric machine housing and configured to emit amagnetic field at a selected frequency. The magnetic field is configuredto induce an electric current in the NFC tuned circuit. The electricmachine further includes a memory configured to store informationincluded in signals transmitted between the NFC antenna and the NFCtuned circuit via the magnetic field.

In another aspect, an electric machine is provided. The electric machineincludes a motor assembly including a motor and a motor controllercoupled to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor.The motor controller includes a processor including a first memory. Theelectric machine also includes a motor housing defining an interiorspace and enclosing the motor assembly within the interior space. Theelectric machine further includes an NFC component including an NFCantenna and a second memory. The NFC antenna is configured to emit amagnetic field at a selected frequency. The NFC component is configuredto send signals to the motor controller including information from thesecond memory for storage on the first memory.

In yet another aspect, an electric machine is provided. The electricmachine includes a motor and a motor controller. The motor controller iscoupled to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor.The motor controller includes a processor including a first memory. Theelectric machine also includes an NFC component including an NFC antennaand a second memory. The NFC antenna is configured to emit a magneticfield at a selected frequency. The NFC component is configured to sendsignals to the motor controller including information from the secondmemory for storage on the first memory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric machine withsections of an exterior housing removed to show an exemplary antenna;

FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of the exemplary antenna connectedto the electric machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric motor including anexemplary antenna;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electric motor shown in FIG. 3taken along line 4-4 with the exemplary antenna coupled to a motorhousing;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a system for communicating with theelectric machine shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of another configuration of theelectric machine shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described below are external antennas for communicating with motors andmethods of using antennas to communicate with motors. Antennas provide asimple means to communicate with and, thereby, control or configure amotor. An externally mounted antenna allows a user to communicate withthe motor from a handheld device positioned outside the motor housing. Acommunication interface allows the antenna to communicate with thehandheld device using different communication systems. In someembodiments, the antenna transmits signals between the motor andcommunication components mounted on a control board. In furtherembodiments, the antenna is coupled to a static random access memory andconfigured to rewrite memory of a processor of the motor.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric machine 10 withsections of an exterior housing 12 removed to show an antenna 14. In theexemplary embodiment, electric machine 10 is a heating, ventilation, andair conditioning (HVAC) unit 16 comprising housing 12, a motor assembly18, a blower assembly 20, a control board 22, and transmission lines 24.In alternative embodiments, electric machine 10 is any type of motorizedmachine. In the exemplary embodiment, motor assembly 18 drives a fan(not shown) of blower assembly 20 to draw air into, through, and out ofHVAC unit 16 for distribution in an HVAC system (not shown).

Motor assembly 18 includes a motor housing 26 having a motor enclosure28 and a control enclosure 30. Control enclosure 30 encloses motorcontroller 32 (shown in FIG. 2). Transmission lines 24 extend fromcontrol enclosure 30 to control board 22. Motor assembly 18 is coupledto a first end 34 of transmission lines 24 and control board 22 iscoupled to a second end 36 of transmission lines 24. Transmission lines24 include a link 38, which connects motor assembly 18 to input/output(I/O) components, broadly communication components, 40 on control board22. In addition, link 38 connects motor assembly 18 to antenna 14. Thus,link 38 is a shared connection reducing the material and labor necessaryfor assembling motor assembly 18. In alternative embodiments, link 38extends to other components of motor assembly 18 and/or other componentsof electric machine 10, for example, without limitation, a second motor(not shown). In further alternative embodiments, link 38 comprises apower line 221 (shown in FIG. 5) for supplying power from an externalpower source 224 (shown in FIG. 5) to motor assembly 18, in addition tocoupling antenna 14 to motor assembly 18. Alternatively, link 38exclusively connects antenna 14 to motor assembly 18.

In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 includes a pair of insulatedtransmission wires (not shown). Transmission wires are any wiressuitable for transmitting a signal as described herein, e.g., a twistedpair of wires or coaxial wires. Alternatively, link 38 is any componentsuitable for connecting antenna 14 to motor assembly 18 as describedherein. In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 facilitates reducingmanufacturing costs since an additional circuit does not need to beadded for antenna 14. Additionally, link 38 facilitates placing antenna14 on control board 22. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 ismounted separately from control board 22.

Antenna 14 includes a looped wire configured to transmit radio signalswhen current flows through the looped wire. In alternative embodiments,antenna 14 is any size, shape, and configuration suitable forfunctioning as described herein. For example, antenna 14 can be anytuned circuit configured to transmit radio signals in any radio-basedcommunication system including, but not limited to, Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and WirelessPersonal Area Network (WPAN) systems. In the exemplary embodiment,antenna 14 generates a magnetic field when it vibrates at a selectedfrequency. Specifically, antenna 14 vibrates at a frequency of about13.56 MHz and, thus, is suitable for use in a Near Field Communication(NFC) system. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 vibrates at anyfrequency.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 transmits radio signals to andreceives signals from components, such as inductive components used inNFC systems. In NFC systems, at least one NFC component generates amagnetic field to inductively transfer currents and, thereby, exchangesignals and information with other NFC components positioned within themagnetic field. In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 acts as an NFCcomponent to send and receive signals. Antenna 14 will transmit radiosignals to NFC components positioned within the magnetic field ofantenna 14. Therefore, the magnetic field generated by antenna 14defines the antenna range of antenna 14. In the exemplary embodiment,antenna 14 has an antenna range of approximately 10 centimeters.Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 receives radiosignals from NFC components when antenna 14 is positioned within themagnetic field of the NFC components. The NFC components' magneticfields generally have a very limited range, usually no more than 10centimeters.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 is mounted on control board 22such that a user can position a hand held device, e.g. a smart phone,within the antenna range. Ideally, control board 22 and antenna 14 arepositioned such that the antenna range extends outside housing 12. Forexample, antenna 14 is positioned less than 10 cm from the exterior ofhousing 12. In the exemplary embodiment, housing 12 includes a panel 42that is removed to expose control board 22 and antenna 14. Removal ofpanel 42 facilitates the positioning of the hand held device in theantenna range of antenna 14. In alternative embodiments, antenna 14 ispositioned anywhere exterior to motor assembly 18, including anypositions interior or exterior of housing 12. In the exemplaryembodiment, antenna 14 is positioned between about 60 cm and about 92 cmfrom control enclosure 30.

FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram of electric machine 10. Motorcontroller 32 includes an NFC electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM) 44, an NFC tuned circuit 46, and amicroprocessor 48. In alternative embodiments, any antenna suitable forfunctioning as described herein is swapped for NFC tuned circuit 46. Inthe exemplary embodiment, a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI Bus) 50connects NFC EEPROM 44 to microprocessor 48. In alternative embodiments,a standard EEPROM (not shown), without NFC capabilities, is swapped forNFC EEPROM 44. In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 includes an RX line52, a common line 54, optical isolation components 56, and a couplinglink 58. Coupling link 58 facilitates coupling NFC tuned circuit 46 withother components for relaying signals to and from NFC tuned circuit 46.Coupling link 58 is any coupling component suitable for functioning asdescribed herein, e.g., a magnetic or capacitive coupling component. Inthe exemplary embodiment, RX line 52 includes an inductor 60 and acapacitor 62 for isolating antenna 14 from voltage in RX line 52. Byisolating antenna 14, capacitor 62 facilitates antenna 14 being coupledto common line 54 without shorting out the circuit and/or creatingsafety issues. Antenna 14 and a control board 64 are coupled to RX line52 and common line 54. In alternative embodiments where link 38 isdedicated to antenna 14 and free from coupling with other components,capacitor 62 is unnecessary.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary electric motor 100including an antenna 102. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of electricmotor 100 taken along line 4-4 with antenna 102 coupled to a motorhousing 104. Antenna 102 is similar to antenna 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2except antenna 102 is positioned in an antenna enclosure 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, electric motor 100 generally includes motorhousing 104, a motor assembly 112, and an electronics control 114. Motorhousing 104 is defined by an adaptor plate 116, a shroud 118, a motorenclosure 120, and an electronics enclosure 122. Motor assembly 112generally includes a stator 124 and a rotor 126 coupled to a shaft 128.A plurality of permanent magnets 130 are coupled to rotor 126 in anysuitable configuration that enables motor assembly 112 to function asdescribed herein. In the exemplary embodiment, stator 124 is orientedadjacent rotor 126 in an axial flux configuration. Alternatively, stator124 is oriented at least partially surrounding rotor 126 in a radialflux configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, rotor 126 is rotatablewithin motor housing 104 and, more specifically, rotor 126 is rotatablewithin motor enclosure 120. Rotor 126 is driven by stator 124, which iscontrolled by electronics control 114. In some embodiments, electronicscontrol 114 acts as a sinusoidal or trapezoidal electronics control forstator 124.

In the exemplary embodiment, motor enclosure 120 defines an inner cavity132. Motor assembly 112 is mounted within inner cavity 132. A shaftfirst end 134 extends through an aperture 136 defined in motor enclosure120 and a shaft second end 138 extends through an aperture 140 definedin adaptor plate 116. Adaptor plate 116 facilitates attachment ofelectric motor 100 to a system (not shown) to be driven by shaft 128.

In the exemplary embodiment, electronics enclosure 122 is coupled to anend of motor enclosure 120. Electronics enclosure 122 includes an innercavity 142 defined by a sidewall 144 and an end cover 146. Electronicscontrol 114 is mounted within electronics enclosure 122 and facilitatescontrol of motor assembly 112. Sidewall 144 defines a rectangular-shapedopening 148 that receives a portion of antenna enclosure 106.Alternatively, opening 148 has any suitable shape that enables opening148 to function as described herein. When antenna enclosure 106 is notpositioned in opening 148, a patch 150 covers opening 148. Patch 150 isa plastic sheet with an adhesive backing for coupling to sidewall 144around opening 148 such that patch 150 completely covers opening 148. Inalternative embodiments, patch 150 is made of any material, e.g., metal,and is coupled to sidewall 144 in any suitable manner, e.g., rivetsand/or welds. In further embodiments, patch 150 covers only a portion ofopening 148. For example, in some embodiments, patch 150 covers portionsof opening 148 not filled by antenna enclosure 106 when antennaenclosure 106 is inserted in opening 148.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna enclosure 106 has an isolationcompartment 152 and a link compartment 154. Isolation compartment 152defines an antenna cavity 156 for receiving antenna 102. Antenna 102removably couples inside antenna cavity 156. In the exemplaryembodiment, antenna enclosure 106 is made substantially of nonconductivematerial, such as plastic and/or rubber, such that antenna 102 isisolated from electrical charges in conductive material that contactsisolation compartment 152. Additionally, the nonconductive materialminimizes interference with the antenna range. In alternativeembodiments, antenna enclosure 106 is made of any suitable material orcombinations of materials that allow antenna enclosure 106 to functionas described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, link compartment 154 defines a link cavity158 for receiving a link component 160. Link component 160 is anycomponent that enables antenna 102 to link with electronics control 114.In the exemplary embodiment, link component 160 is a circuit board 162coupled with antenna 102 by a wire 164. Link compartment 154 andisolation compartment 152 are configured such that circuit board 162 andantenna 102 are positioned in planes approximately perpendicular to eachother, i.e., planes that form a 90° angle. In alternative embodiments,antenna 102 and circuit board 162 are positioned in the same plane or inplanes forming any angles. In the exemplary embodiment, circuit board162 intersects antenna 102 between distal ends of antenna 102 and offsetfrom the center of antenna 102.

The position of link compartment 154 in relation to isolationcompartment 152 facilitates inserting a portion of link compartment 154in opening 148. When inserted in opening 148, link compartment 154extends partially into electronics enclosure 122 such that a portion ofcircuit board 162 is aligned with a portion of electronics control 114.Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, circuit board 162 is alignedwith an NFC tuned circuit component or antenna (not shown) ofelectronics control 114. The aligned circuit board 162 and electronicscontrol 114 couple together for relaying signals between the two. Thecoupling between circuit board 162 and electronics control 114 acts as awireless link, i.e., circuit board 162 links to electronics control 114without transmission lines. Accordingly, antenna 102 is capable ofcoupling to a motor that does not have transmission lines running to anI/O board (not shown).

Link compartment 154 has a rectangular cuboid shape and is slightlysmaller in cross section than opening 148, thus, link compartment 154fits easily into opening 148. In alternative embodiments, linkcompartment 154 has any size and shape suitable for functioning asdescribed herein. Antenna enclosure 106 further includes retention snaps166 for securing antenna enclosure 106 to electronics enclosure 122.Retention snaps 166 are, in one embodiment, flexible wedge shapedprotrusions disposed on the exterior of link compartment 154 comprisinga leading end 168 and a back end 170. The space between retention snaps166 and link compartment 154 increases from a minimum space at leadingend 168 to a maximum space at back end 170. The minimum space at leadingend 168 is less than the clearance of opening 148 around linkcompartment 154. Therefore, as link compartment 154 is inserted intoopening 148, an edge 172 surrounding opening 148 contacts retentionsnaps 166 at a point between leading end 168 and back end 170. Edge 172then compresses retention snaps 166 against link compartment 154. Oncelink compartment 154 is inserted such that retention snaps 166 passbeyond edge 172, retention snaps 166 return to their original wedgeshape spaced from link compartment 154. After insertion of linkcompartment 154, back end 170 is closer to edge 172 than leading end 168is to edge 172. Since the maximum space at back end 170 is greater thanthe clearance of opening 148 around link compartment 154, retentionsnaps 166 will not compress if link compartment 154 is pulled out ofopening 148. Thus, retention snaps 166 prevent withdrawal of linkcompartment 154. In alternative embodiments, antenna enclosure 106secures to electronics enclosure 122 by any suitable means, e.g., welds,screws, magnets, and/or adhesives.

In the exemplary embodiment, isolation compartment 152 has a curved wall174 that substantially matches the curvature of electronics enclosure122. Spacers 176 extend from curved wall 174 to isolate isolationcompartment 152 from the exterior of electronics enclosure 122. Spacers176 and curved wall 174 stabilize isolation compartment 152 againstelectronics enclosure 122.

An exemplary method of using antenna 102 to control electric motor 100is described herein. Electric motor 100 generally includes motor housing104, motor assembly 112, and electronics control 114. Motor housing 104includes motor enclosure 120 containing motor assembly 112 andelectronics enclosure 122 containing electronics control 114.Electronics control 114 includes I/O components 40 and NFC EEPROM 44.Alternatively, a motor without I/O components 40 and/or NFC EEPROM 44 isprovided.

The exemplary method includes positioning antenna 102 within isolationcompartment 152 of antenna enclosure 106. In alternative methods,antenna 102 is not positioned in an antenna enclosure. The exemplarymethod includes coupling antenna enclosure 106 directly to the exteriorof motor housing 104. In alternative methods, antenna 102 is mountedanywhere external of motor housing 104, e.g. on housing 12. Theexemplary method further includes positioning spacers 176 betweenisolation compartment 152 and motor housing 104. Link compartment 154containing circuit board 162 is inserted at least partially into motorhousing 104. Circuit board 162 is aligned with electronics control 114to link antenna 102 with electronics control 114 through circuit board162. In alternative methods, antenna 102 is linked with electronicscontrol 114 in any suitable manner, e.g., coupling link 38 betweenantenna 102 and electronics control 114. Alternative methods furtherinclude connecting capacitor 62 to link 38 such that antenna 102 isisolated from direct current running through link 38. In the exemplarymethod, a signal is sent from a handheld device (not shown) to antenna102. The signal is relayed from antenna 102 to electronics control 114through circuit board 162. The exemplary method further includesrelaying information from electronics control 114, such asspecifications and diagnostics of electric motor 100, through antenna102 and receiving the information on the handheld device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a system 200 for communicating withelectric machine 10. System 200 includes a communication interface 202and a handheld device 204. Communication interface 202 includes an NFCcomponent 206 and a radio component 208. Communication interface 202facilitates a user 210 communicating with electric machine 10 usinghandheld device 204. In particular, communication interface 202 relayssignals between electric machine 10 and handheld device 204. Inalternative embodiments, system 200 has any configuration that enablessystem 200 to operate as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, NFC component 206 includes an antenna 212configured to generate a magnetic field 214 when antenna 212 vibrates ata selected frequency. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, antenna212 vibrates at a frequency of about 13.56 MHz and, thus, is suitablefor use in an NFC system. In alternative embodiments, NFC component 206includes any antenna that enables system 200 to operate as describedherein.

In addition, in the exemplary embodiment, radio component 208 includesan antenna 216 configured to transmit radio signals. For example,antenna 216 includes a looped wire configured to generate a magneticfield 218 when antenna 216 vibrates at a selected frequency. In someembodiments, antenna 216 is any tuned circuit configured to transmitradio signals in any radio-based communication system including, but notlimited to, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Wireless Local AreaNetwork (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) systems. Inalternative embodiments, radio component 208 includes any antenna thatenables system 200 to operate as described herein.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, antenna 212 is configured suchthat magnetic field 214 overlaps with a magnetic field 220 of antenna14. Accordingly, antenna 212 is configured to transmit signals to andreceive signals from antenna 14. In addition, magnetic field 218 isaccessible to handheld device 204. Antenna 216 is configured to transmitsignals to and receive signals from handheld device 204 when handhelddevice 204 is positioned within range of magnetic 214. In the exemplaryembodiment, magnetic field 218 is larger than magnetic field 214 andmagnetic field 220. Accordingly, antenna 216 has a greater range thanantenna 14 and antenna 212. In alternative embodiments, system 200includes any magnetic fields that enable system 200 to operate asdescribed herein.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, antenna 216 and antenna 212 areconfigured to operate at different frequencies. Accordingly, NFCcomponent 206 and radio component 208 operate in different communicationsystems. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, antenna 212 exchangessignals with components of an NFC system and antenna 216 exchangessignals with components of a different radio-based communication system.Accordingly, communication interface 202 allows handheld devices 204 tocommunicate with electric machine 10 using communication systems otherthan NFC systems. For example, some handheld devices 204 are configuredto communicate with communication interface 202 in radio-basedcommunication systems including, but not limited to, RFID, WLAN, andWPAN systems.

Also, in the exemplary embodiment, communication interface 202 ismounted adjacent electric machine 10. In some embodiments, communicationinterface 202 is mounted to a portion of electric machine 10 such ashousing 12 (shown in FIG. 1). In further embodiments, communicationinterface 202 is mounted to a support structure adjacent electricmachine 10 such as a wall and/or a frame. The position of communicationinterface 202 facilitates communication interface 202 communicating withantenna 14 and handheld device 204. In alternative embodiments,communication interface 202 is mounted in any manner that enables system200 to operate as described herein. For example, in some embodiments,communication interface 202 is integrated into electric machine 10.

During operation, communication interface 202 relays signals betweenantenna 14 and handheld device 204. Specifically, antenna 212 receivesNFC signals from antenna 14 and the NFC signals are translated to radiosignals at a different radio frequency. Antenna 216 transmits the radiosignals to handheld device 204 and/or any other suitable radio componentwithin range of antenna 216. In some embodiments, handheld device 204displays information from the signals on a display for user 210. User210 interprets the information and/or uses handheld device 204 to adjustoperating parameters of electric machine 10. To send signals to electricmachine 10, handheld device 204 transmits radio signals relating to usercommands to communication interface 202 for relaying to electric machine10. Specifically, antenna 216 receives the radio signals from handhelddevice 204 and the radio signals are translated to NFC signals. Antenna212 transmits the NFC signals to antenna 14. Antenna 14 receives the NFCsignals and sends signals to motor controller 32 for interpretation. Insome embodiments, motor controller 32 adjusts operation of electricmachine 10 based on the signals. In alternative embodiments, componentsof system 200 transmit any signal that enables system 200 to operate asdescribed herein. In some embodiments, the signals are automatic, i.e.,not necessarily initiated by user 210. In further embodiments, signalsare transferred between handheld device 204, communication interface202, and/or antenna 14 in only one direction. In some embodiments,communication interface 202 is omitted or bypassed and handheld device204 communicates directly with electric machine 10.

In some embodiments, antenna 14, antenna 212, and/or antenna 216transmit signals relating to at least one operational parameter ofelectric machine 10. For example, in some embodiments, the signalsrelate to a temperature and/or rotational speed of motor assembly 112(shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, system 200 facilitates user 210receiving diagnostic data and/or controlling electric machine 10.Moreover, antenna 14 and/or communication interface 202 facilitate user210 communicating with electric machine 10 using handheld device 204. Insome embodiments, signals are provided in real-time during operation ofelectric machine 10. Accordingly, user 210 is able to diagnose issuesand make adjustments in real-time. For example, in some embodiments,user 210 adjusts an operating parameter of electric machine 10, such asa temperature, during operation of electric machine 10 and receivesinformation relating to the operation of electric machine 10 inreal-time. Moreover, in some embodiments, user 210 adjusts operation ofelectric machine 10 using handheld device 204 while remaining in theproximity of electric machine 10 and without having to use a remotecontroller such as a thermostat.

In the exemplary embodiment, antenna 14 is coupled to a memory 219.Antenna 14 and memory 219 form an NFC component 222. In someembodiments, memory 219 includes a static random access memory (SRAM).NFC component 222 is configured to transfer information from memory 219to microprocessor 48 (shown in FIG. 2) of controller 32. In someembodiments, memory 49 includes a random access memory (RAM). Duringoperation, the information from memory 219 is stored on memory 49. Inaddition, in some embodiments, NFC component 222 overwrites or erasesinformation on memory 49, i.e., NFC component 222 “flashes” processor48. In some embodiments, NFC component 222 receives power from powersource 224 to increase the speed of the information transfer. In furtherembodiments, NFC component 206 transfers information to processor 48without power from power source 224.

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of another configuration ofelectric machine 10. Electric machine 10 includes controller 32including NFC electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM) 44, NFC tuned circuit 46, and a microprocessor 48. Inalternative embodiments, any antenna suitable for functioning asdescribed herein is swapped for NFC tuned circuit 46. In the exemplaryembodiment, serial peripheral interface bus (SPI Bus) 50 connects NFCEEPROM 44 to microprocessor 48, which includes memory 49. In alternativeembodiments, motor controller 32 includes any component that enableselectric machine 10 to operate as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, link 38 couples antenna 14 to NFC tunedcircuit 46. A filter 39 is coupled to link 38. For example, filter 39removes interference and regulates voltage in link 38 to facilitateantenna 14 transmitting signals through link 38. In some embodiments,filter 39 includes, for example and without limitation, a common modefilter and/or a band pass filter. In the exemplary embodiment, filter 39is mounted to control board 22 (shown in FIG. 1). In alternativeembodiments, link 38 includes any filter that enables electric machine10 to operate as described herein.

In addition, antenna 14 is coupled to input/output (I/O) components,broadly communication components, 40 by a circuit 65. Circuit 65includes a switch to regulate signals between I/O components 40 andantenna 14. In some embodiments, I/O components 40 use antenna 14 tosend signals to and/or receive signals from motor controller 32.Specifically, antenna 14 exchanges signals with NFC tuned circuit 46.Because of the NFC capabilities of antenna 14, antenna 14 increases thespeed of signals between I/O components 40 and motor controller 32. Insome embodiments, antenna 14 acts as a supplemental or additional I/Osystem. In other embodiments, other I/O systems are omitted and antenna14 acts as the I/O system of electric machine 10.

Described herein are systems and methods for communicating with anelectric motor such as a motor or a generator through an antenna. Theantenna allows a user to communicate with the motor from a handhelddevice positioned outside the motor housing. A communication interfaceallows the antenna to communicate with the handheld device usingdifferent communication systems. In some embodiments, the antennatransmits signals between the motor and communication components mountedon a control board. In further embodiments, the antenna is coupled to astatic random access memory and configured to rewrite memory of aprocessor of the motor.

Some embodiments described herein relate to electric motors includingelectric motors and electronic controls. However, the methods andapparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein,but rather, components of apparatus and/or steps of the methods may beutilized independently and separately from other components and/or stepsdescribed herein. For example, the methods may also be used incombination with any motor, and are not limited to practice with theelectric motors as described herein. In addition, the exemplaryembodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many otherapplications.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature ofa drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods and apparatusdescribed and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of theelement(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and“having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may beadditional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listedelement(s)/component(s)/etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric machine comprising: a motor assemblyincluding a motor controller including an NFC tuned circuit; a motorhousing defining an interior space and enclosing said motor assemblywithin the interior space; an electric machine housing, said motorhousing enclosed within said electric machine housing; an NFC antennamounted within said electric machine housing and configured to emit amagnetic field at a selected frequency, wherein the magnetic field isconfigured to induce an electric current in said NFC tuned circuit; anda memory configured to store information included in signals transmittedbetween said NFC antenna and said NFC tuned circuit via the magneticfield.
 2. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidmemory is a first memory, and wherein said motor controller includes aprocessor including said first memory.
 3. The electric machine inaccordance with claim 2, further comprising a second memory coupled tosaid NFC antenna, wherein said NFC antenna is configured to send signalsto said motor controller including information from said second memoryfor storage on said first memory.
 4. The electric machine in accordancewith claim 1 further comprising an NFC component including said NFCantenna and said memory, wherein said NFC component is configured tosend signals to said motor controller including information from saidmemory.
 5. The electric machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein saidNFC antenna is mounted on a control board.
 6. The electric machine inaccordance with claim 5, wherein said control board includes a circuitelectrically coupled to said NFC antenna.
 7. The electric machine inaccordance with claim 5 further comprising: a link extending betweensaid NFC antenna and said motor controller, said link coupled to bothsaid NFC antenna and said motor controller; and a filter coupled to saidlink, wherein said filter is configured to regulate signals transmittedthrough said link.
 8. The electric machine in accordance with claim 7,wherein said filter is mounted to said control board.
 9. The electricmachine in accordance with claim 7, wherein said filter includes atleast one of a common mode and a band pass filter.
 10. An electricmachine comprising: a motor assembly including: a motor; and a motorcontroller coupled to said motor and configured to control operation ofsaid motor, said motor controller including a processor including afirst memory; a motor housing defining an interior space and enclosingsaid motor assembly within the interior space; and an NFC componentincluding an NFC antenna and a second memory, said NFC antennaconfigured to emit a magnetic field at a selected frequency, whereinsaid NFC component is configured to send signals to said motorcontroller including information from said second memory for storage onsaid first memory.
 11. The electric machine in accordance with claim 10,wherein said second memory includes a static random access memory. 12.The electric machine in accordance with claim 11, wherein said firstmemory includes a random access memory.
 13. The electric machine inaccordance with claim 11, wherein said NFC component is furtherconfigured to erase information on said first memory.
 14. The electricmachine in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a power sourcecoupled to said NFC component, wherein said NFC component is configuredto transfer information to said first memory when said power sourcesupplies power to said NFC component.
 15. The electric machine inaccordance with claim 10, wherein said NFC antenna is configured to sendthe signals during operation of said motor assembly, wherein the signalsrelate to at least one operational parameter of said motor assembly. 16.The electric machine in accordance with claim 10, wherein said NFCcomponent is configured to receive a signal relating to a user commandfrom a handheld device and relay the signal to said motor controller,said motor controller configured to adjust operation of said motor basedat least partially on said user command.
 17. A method of using an NFCantenna to communicate with a motor, the method comprising: emitting amagnetic field at a selected frequency using the NFC antenna, whereinthe magnetic field is configured to induce an electric current in an NFCtuned circuit of a motor controller connected to the motor; transmittingsignals between the NFC antenna and the motor controller via themagnetic field, wherein the signals include information for storage on amemory coupled to the NFC tuned circuit of the motor controller; andstoring the information on the memory.
 18. The method in accordance withclaim 17, wherein the memory is a first memory and is coupled to themotor controller, and wherein transmitting the signals between the NFCantenna and the motor controller via the magnetic field comprisestransmitting signals between the NFC antenna and the motor controllervia the magnetic field, wherein the signals include information from asecond memory coupled to the NFC antenna for storage on the firstmemory.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 17 further comprisingerasing previously stored information on the memory when storing theinformation from the signals.
 20. The method in accordance with claim 17further comprising providing power to NFC antenna, wherein the NFCantenna is configured to transfer information to the memory when thepower is provided to the NFC antenna.